Home/Fireplaces & Stoves/Guides/Pre-Cast Concrete Hearth — UK Cost & Spec Guide

Install a pre-cast hearth.

Pre-cast concrete hearth slab — supplied to size, levelled and finished for wood-burner or stove.

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Concrete cracking

Cheap concrete cracks. Quality 30N or stronger mix recommended for heat-resistant hearth.

Cheap concrete weathers fast

Outdoor or exposed hearths weather quickly without proper sealing.

Wrong dimensions

Building Regs Part J minimums must be met. Check before ordering.

Plain concrete look generic

Standard grey-concrete hearth basic. Polished or pigmented for premium look.

Costs & timeline

Know what it costs. Know when it ends.

Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.

Cost range

By job type

Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Standard pre-cast hearth1.2m × 0.5m
£80–£250
Large pre-cast hearth1.5m × 0.7m+
£150–£400
Bespoke concrete hearthCustom size or design
£250–£800
Install labour1–4 hours
£100–£300
Old hearth removalIncluding disposal
£50–£200
!

Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.

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Fireplaces & Stoves explained

Pre-cast concrete hearths support fireplaces with the structural and heat-resistant base. Expect to pay £150–£800 for UK concrete hearth supply and fit depending on size and finish.

What Does the Work Involve?

Standard pre-cast sizes (typically 1.2m × 0.5m or 1.5m × 0.6m). Bespoke if non-standard. Pre-cast in workshop, delivered. Old hearth removed if any. New hearth bedded onto solid foundation (lime mortar or sand-cement bed). Finished flush with floor or proud (depending on style). Final surface finish (smooth, polished, exposed aggregate).

Typical Costs

ItemLow (£)High (£)Notes
Standard pre-cast hearth802501.2m × 0.5m
Large pre-cast hearth1504001.5m × 0.7m+
Bespoke concrete hearth250800Custom size or design
Polished/honed finish+£50+£200vs standard
Pigmented concrete+£40+£150Colour-matched
Install labour1003001–4 hours
Old hearth removal50200Including disposal

How Long Does It Take?

Standard install: 2–4 hours. Bespoke order: 2–4 week lead time, half-day install.

DIY or Professional?

Standard install can be DIY for confident builder. Heavy lift (50–150 kg). Bespoke installations professional.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

Local concrete supplier (Hanson, Cemex) for standard. Specialist concrete craftsmen for bespoke. Builder or HETAS engineer for installation.

UK Regulations

Building Regs Part J — hearth dimensions for fireplaces (250mm wider than stove, 300mm in front, 125mm sides minimum for solid fuel).

Common Problems

  • Concrete cracking: Cheap concrete cracks. Quality 30N or stronger mix recommended for heat-resistant hearth.
  • Cheap concrete weathers fast: Outdoor or exposed hearths weather quickly without proper sealing.
  • Wrong dimensions: Building Regs Part J minimums must be met. Check before ordering.
  • Plain concrete look generic: Standard grey-concrete hearth basic. Polished or pigmented for premium look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why concrete hearth vs stone?

Concrete: cheaper (£80–£250 vs £200–£800 for stone), easier to manufacture in bespoke sizes, modern aesthetic. Stone: traditional, heritage look, more expensive.

Will concrete crack from heat?

Quality concrete (30N+ mix): no. Cheap concrete (20N or less): yes, hairline cracks over years.

What finishes available?

Smooth (standard), polished (premium), exposed aggregate (decorative), pigmented (coloured). All accept thermal cycling.

How heavy is a concrete hearth?

Standard 1.2m × 0.5m × 75mm: 75–100 kg. Two-person lift. Large bespoke: 200+ kg, needs equipment.

Building Regs requirements?

250mm wider than stove on each side. 300mm in front. 12mm fire-resistant material minimum below stove. Solid masonry below.

How long does concrete hearth last?

Indefinite if properly cured and sealed. Many concrete hearths from 1960s still serving today.

This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.

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